The electronic underground community is a closed culture grown around electronic/computer security.
It includes:
*Hacker community
*Phreaker community
*Virus coder community
The people of this community share a near-obsession for technology, and some are very paranoid. They usually gather around their own ezines, see Underground ezines, and usually like BBS and Mailing lists and the Usenet.
There are some other communities surrounding the underground community, but not part of the community itself, for example, the script-kiddie community.
It includes:
*Hacker community
*Phreaker community
*Virus coder community
The people of this community share a near-obsession for technology, and some are very paranoid. They usually gather around their own ezines, see Underground ezines, and usually like BBS and Mailing lists and the Usenet.
There are some other communities surrounding the underground community, but not part of the community itself, for example, the script-kiddie community.
Hollow House Syndrome is a descriptive term that encompasses the dark side of what real estate professionals promote as "Holiday Homes". It appears to have originated in England, but has shown up on a local -type web site in New Zealand called www.waihekepedia.com. .
Hollow House Syndrome is the purchase of a second or third home for part time use by the owner, usually in "prime" season, or holidays or weekends. During the time the owner is not in residence the home is locked up empty (not rented and occupied), therefore creating a "hollow" in the economic, social and cultural life of the community. Typically the community is in an area of exceptional character... perhaps in bucolic countryside, by the sea or on an island. Typically the natural and physical environment is attractive with better weather (warm in summer, snow in winter, or invigoratingly bracing).
The term is used with a medical connotation, as in The China Syndrome or a term used in British and ex Colonial countries, the Tall Poppy Syndrome, because it suggests that it is toxic for the community.
As homes owned by full time residents whose earnings power is based on a local economy are purchased by (usually urban dwelling) outsiders who are beneficiaries of the global economy of high salaries, larger bonuses and liberal taxation favoring capital gains, the local community sees its stakeholders displaced by part-time residents. Because these part timers live primarily somewhere else, they cannot participate to the same level in the local economy, its social structure or its culture. Because they displace someone who was full time and did make a local contribution, gradually the community suffers.
Economically, when not in residence they don't support local stores, services, cafes & bistros, so during off seasons these businesses suffer. If the ratio of hollow to filled homes becomes too great the local businesses fail and the locals have to drive long distances to accomplish the mundane chores of daily life. If this happens the community's local economy can hit a critical mass where it collapses, almost all its people sell up to hollow home buyers, only leaving service personnel who look after or market the hollow homes.
Socially, in some cases, the hollow home residents form their own colony and do not associate with the locals. However, if there is enough commonality, they do, but only during prime time when they are in residence. This creates a bond-break, bond-break relationship between locals and part timers, eventually weakening the social network. It also can create a psychological weakening if the part-timers convince the locals that except for prime time, the centre of the universe is somewhere else. The social fabric also weakens as key people, the glue that hold a community together move away. Volunteerism suffers and again, if a tipping point is hit, the community implodes and is destroyed.
Culturally, usually it is the artist who moves away first. The creative class tends to seek out beautiful, inspiring, low-cost places to live and create. They often tend to be what causes the privileged class to notice the location in the first place. This is akin to Gentrification except that in Hollow House Syndrome the gentrifiers are part time, not full time residents. Never the less for the creative class the outcome is the same. They are priced out of the market and the local culture suffers. The same thing occurs for other aspects of local culture - if, for example there is an indigenous class that has a strong cultural identity but lacks the earning power of the hollow home buyers.
It is reported (further documentation needed) that Hollow House Syndrome began in Switzerland in the 1970s when urban dwellers began to buy up ancient homes in Swiss mountain villages. In Devon England locals threatened to paint black spots on homes that were hollow homes . Cornwall is reported to have whole villages where locals are displaced although now squatters are moving into some of them. In France, Peter Mayle's book A Year in Provence seems to have inspired a whole generation of affluent English to buy hollow homes to the point where some villages are empty (this is based anecdotal reports and needs further documentation). In the Basque part of France, they don't use paint, they use bombs to make their point that hollow homes are not welcome.
Hollow Home Syndrome is a term that appears to have emerged since the year 2000. It seems to be a condition that has emerged from changes in the fundamental structure of the western economy in which two classes are emerging out of what was in the 20th century one class - the middle class. One part of this class continued unchanged - effectively based on wage earning, while a new class emerged from it - in which it has gained access to new sources of capital that it has used to buy luxuries. After the new luxury car, overseas travel, branded clothing and products, a symbol of this success is the second home. Unlike the other status symbols, second home purchasing has adverse effects as communities become "hollowed out". Thus, a new term appears to have emerged to describe this change in society.
Hollow House Syndrome is the purchase of a second or third home for part time use by the owner, usually in "prime" season, or holidays or weekends. During the time the owner is not in residence the home is locked up empty (not rented and occupied), therefore creating a "hollow" in the economic, social and cultural life of the community. Typically the community is in an area of exceptional character... perhaps in bucolic countryside, by the sea or on an island. Typically the natural and physical environment is attractive with better weather (warm in summer, snow in winter, or invigoratingly bracing).
The term is used with a medical connotation, as in The China Syndrome or a term used in British and ex Colonial countries, the Tall Poppy Syndrome, because it suggests that it is toxic for the community.
As homes owned by full time residents whose earnings power is based on a local economy are purchased by (usually urban dwelling) outsiders who are beneficiaries of the global economy of high salaries, larger bonuses and liberal taxation favoring capital gains, the local community sees its stakeholders displaced by part-time residents. Because these part timers live primarily somewhere else, they cannot participate to the same level in the local economy, its social structure or its culture. Because they displace someone who was full time and did make a local contribution, gradually the community suffers.
Economically, when not in residence they don't support local stores, services, cafes & bistros, so during off seasons these businesses suffer. If the ratio of hollow to filled homes becomes too great the local businesses fail and the locals have to drive long distances to accomplish the mundane chores of daily life. If this happens the community's local economy can hit a critical mass where it collapses, almost all its people sell up to hollow home buyers, only leaving service personnel who look after or market the hollow homes.
Socially, in some cases, the hollow home residents form their own colony and do not associate with the locals. However, if there is enough commonality, they do, but only during prime time when they are in residence. This creates a bond-break, bond-break relationship between locals and part timers, eventually weakening the social network. It also can create a psychological weakening if the part-timers convince the locals that except for prime time, the centre of the universe is somewhere else. The social fabric also weakens as key people, the glue that hold a community together move away. Volunteerism suffers and again, if a tipping point is hit, the community implodes and is destroyed.
Culturally, usually it is the artist who moves away first. The creative class tends to seek out beautiful, inspiring, low-cost places to live and create. They often tend to be what causes the privileged class to notice the location in the first place. This is akin to Gentrification except that in Hollow House Syndrome the gentrifiers are part time, not full time residents. Never the less for the creative class the outcome is the same. They are priced out of the market and the local culture suffers. The same thing occurs for other aspects of local culture - if, for example there is an indigenous class that has a strong cultural identity but lacks the earning power of the hollow home buyers.
It is reported (further documentation needed) that Hollow House Syndrome began in Switzerland in the 1970s when urban dwellers began to buy up ancient homes in Swiss mountain villages. In Devon England locals threatened to paint black spots on homes that were hollow homes . Cornwall is reported to have whole villages where locals are displaced although now squatters are moving into some of them. In France, Peter Mayle's book A Year in Provence seems to have inspired a whole generation of affluent English to buy hollow homes to the point where some villages are empty (this is based anecdotal reports and needs further documentation). In the Basque part of France, they don't use paint, they use bombs to make their point that hollow homes are not welcome.
Hollow Home Syndrome is a term that appears to have emerged since the year 2000. It seems to be a condition that has emerged from changes in the fundamental structure of the western economy in which two classes are emerging out of what was in the 20th century one class - the middle class. One part of this class continued unchanged - effectively based on wage earning, while a new class emerged from it - in which it has gained access to new sources of capital that it has used to buy luxuries. After the new luxury car, overseas travel, branded clothing and products, a symbol of this success is the second home. Unlike the other status symbols, second home purchasing has adverse effects as communities become "hollowed out". Thus, a new term appears to have emerged to describe this change in society.
The Birdhuman is a bio-mechanical mecha that was seen in the 5 part Japanese animated OVA series Macross Zero.
Story
One year prior to space war 1, the body of the Birdhuman was discovered by U.N. Spacy off the shores of Mayan Island. Its head had been discovered by Mao Nome, the younger sister of Sara Nome Priestess of Mayan Island, and was later revealed to Shin Kudo (Japanese/American fighter pilot of the U.N.). In the fifth episode of the series, its head and body were joined together, and was piloted by Sara Nome.
Sara Nome, (angered by the war that had made its way to her people's island, and the believed loss of Shin Kudo) used the Birdhuman's arsenal to wipe out all conflicting forces (that she had referred to as "Kadun"). Her rampage finally ceased after the destruction of the Anti-UN ace pilots D.D.Ivanov and Nora Polyansky, when Shin Kudo (the man she loved) revealed himself to her.
In an effort to eliminate the Birdhuman, U.N. Spacy fired 4 nuclear warheads from an HWR-00-MK1 prototype destroid. The shots were repelled by the Birdhuman's forcefield. Afterwards, it warped itself into space along with Shin in his VF-0.
Stats
Despite its massive size, the Birdhuman's only accommodations for a life form is in the cockpit, which is located in its forehead, and was only designed to house one normal human sized creature.
Weapon Systems
All of the Birdhuman's weapon systems are generated from the disk like plates across its wings.
Beam Canon: The Birdhuman's most powerful weapon. By directing all of its plates in a single direction, it creates a massive wave of energy, that will destroy anything in its path.
Plasma Missiles: Large energy balls that are set in constant motion. Each is formed one per plate and is guided by the operator.
Plasma shot: By creating an energy filled hole in zero space, it then opens gaps for the energy to escape from in the direction of the operator's choosing.
Other Systems
Shield Generator: When threatened by a massive attack, the Birdhuman, can project a plasma line bubble around its self, that will absorb the complete force of the blast, rendering it harmless.
Warp Drive: This device, gives it the ability to send itself anywhere in the universe, in almost an instant.
Neuro Interface: The birdhuman is controlled through a direct mental link with its operator. This system can also induce hallucinogenic effects upon its operator.
Trivia
*Several biomechanical alien mecha seen in the new Macross Frontier T.V. series pilot episode had similar "Spiral" markings, weaponry, speed & overall power like that of the Birdhuman.
Story
One year prior to space war 1, the body of the Birdhuman was discovered by U.N. Spacy off the shores of Mayan Island. Its head had been discovered by Mao Nome, the younger sister of Sara Nome Priestess of Mayan Island, and was later revealed to Shin Kudo (Japanese/American fighter pilot of the U.N.). In the fifth episode of the series, its head and body were joined together, and was piloted by Sara Nome.
Sara Nome, (angered by the war that had made its way to her people's island, and the believed loss of Shin Kudo) used the Birdhuman's arsenal to wipe out all conflicting forces (that she had referred to as "Kadun"). Her rampage finally ceased after the destruction of the Anti-UN ace pilots D.D.Ivanov and Nora Polyansky, when Shin Kudo (the man she loved) revealed himself to her.
In an effort to eliminate the Birdhuman, U.N. Spacy fired 4 nuclear warheads from an HWR-00-MK1 prototype destroid. The shots were repelled by the Birdhuman's forcefield. Afterwards, it warped itself into space along with Shin in his VF-0.
Stats
Despite its massive size, the Birdhuman's only accommodations for a life form is in the cockpit, which is located in its forehead, and was only designed to house one normal human sized creature.
Weapon Systems
All of the Birdhuman's weapon systems are generated from the disk like plates across its wings.
Beam Canon: The Birdhuman's most powerful weapon. By directing all of its plates in a single direction, it creates a massive wave of energy, that will destroy anything in its path.
Plasma Missiles: Large energy balls that are set in constant motion. Each is formed one per plate and is guided by the operator.
Plasma shot: By creating an energy filled hole in zero space, it then opens gaps for the energy to escape from in the direction of the operator's choosing.
Other Systems
Shield Generator: When threatened by a massive attack, the Birdhuman, can project a plasma line bubble around its self, that will absorb the complete force of the blast, rendering it harmless.
Warp Drive: This device, gives it the ability to send itself anywhere in the universe, in almost an instant.
Neuro Interface: The birdhuman is controlled through a direct mental link with its operator. This system can also induce hallucinogenic effects upon its operator.
Trivia
*Several biomechanical alien mecha seen in the new Macross Frontier T.V. series pilot episode had similar "Spiral" markings, weaponry, speed & overall power like that of the Birdhuman.
Brief Description
BIG Verdus is one of the three MAGI supercomputers in the anime series "Love's Labour's Lost?!" It is located in the Eastern tower of NERVENET Intl Corp. Inc., and along with Chronoi and NULLOS, is under the direct control of NERVENET Pres. Takahashi and VP VonDragon.
BIG Verdus is an acronym for Biological Intelligence Gatherer Verdus, and its particular specialty is, in its own words, "All matters zoological, biological, and, in your case (referring to the protagonists), illogical." Its large database has information on all Earth life, past and present, showcasing weaknesses and strengths, along with traits and abnormalities. BIG Verdus is clearly proud of this knowledge, and states this fact several times throughout the heroes' confrontation with him.
With its knowledge of all Earth flora and fauna, BIG Verdus has a particular distaste for human life. Citing their lack of predatorial prowess and lack of superior animal defense mechanisms and reflexes, BIG Verdus writes off humanity as "a pitifully weak species, one not fit for this earth..." It cannot comprehend how mankind became Earth's dominant species.
Powers In the Anime
However, it is not until the Heroes Det. Randleman and Joe Capps arrive in BIG Verdus's chamber that its power is fully realized. Much to their horror, they find that BIG Verdus has the ability to create "holotrons" of any animal it so chooses. These are frightenly real, and in particular, the holotronic Tyrannosaurus Rexes are used to destroy Detective Randleman and Capps. BIG Verdus taunts them throughout the fight, and is about to reveal the true plan of the MAGI Supercomputers to heroes as a reward for defeating the holotrons, when VIP VonDragon bursts into the chamber, bent on defending BIG Verdus from the heroes. Fans have often noted that this sudden burst is a rather weak plot device, as it is more than likely that BIG Verdus could have handled itself.
After a harrowing fight, Capps and Randelman kill VonDragon, but BIG Verdus shows that it can even re-animate dead beings with its holotronic power.
Death
As Capps and Det. Randleman fight off an increasing horde of holotronic VonDragons, they desperately look for a weak point or advantage. Using his custom gun, the RandleCannon, Randleman makes a large enough hole in the wall to allow Joe Capps to search for Verdus's power supply. As the VonDragon's converge upon Randleman and all hope seems lost, Joe find the main breaker and essentially "unplugs" BIG Verdus. BIG Verdus notes, realizing the irony that he was defeated by having weak humans attack his weak point, perishes soon afterwards. The holotron army dissipates immediately upon its "death".
Significance in the Series
BIG Verdus, unlike the MAGI Chronoi and NULLOS, each of whom only appear at the show's climax, is a major antagonist throughout the entirety of the series. Truthfully, most of the enemies the six heroes encounter on their quest to stop NERVENET were either thugs hired by VonDragon or holotrons created by BIG Verdus. It is shown actively scheming the heroes' demise, and is responsible for many major plot points throughout, like the destruction of Charles and Joe's hometown. The holotron army guarding the Central NERVENET tower vanishes as well upon BIG Verdus's defeat, making getting to NULLOS significantly easier for the heroes.
BIG Verdus is one of the three MAGI supercomputers in the anime series "Love's Labour's Lost?!" It is located in the Eastern tower of NERVENET Intl Corp. Inc., and along with Chronoi and NULLOS, is under the direct control of NERVENET Pres. Takahashi and VP VonDragon.
BIG Verdus is an acronym for Biological Intelligence Gatherer Verdus, and its particular specialty is, in its own words, "All matters zoological, biological, and, in your case (referring to the protagonists), illogical." Its large database has information on all Earth life, past and present, showcasing weaknesses and strengths, along with traits and abnormalities. BIG Verdus is clearly proud of this knowledge, and states this fact several times throughout the heroes' confrontation with him.
With its knowledge of all Earth flora and fauna, BIG Verdus has a particular distaste for human life. Citing their lack of predatorial prowess and lack of superior animal defense mechanisms and reflexes, BIG Verdus writes off humanity as "a pitifully weak species, one not fit for this earth..." It cannot comprehend how mankind became Earth's dominant species.
Powers In the Anime
However, it is not until the Heroes Det. Randleman and Joe Capps arrive in BIG Verdus's chamber that its power is fully realized. Much to their horror, they find that BIG Verdus has the ability to create "holotrons" of any animal it so chooses. These are frightenly real, and in particular, the holotronic Tyrannosaurus Rexes are used to destroy Detective Randleman and Capps. BIG Verdus taunts them throughout the fight, and is about to reveal the true plan of the MAGI Supercomputers to heroes as a reward for defeating the holotrons, when VIP VonDragon bursts into the chamber, bent on defending BIG Verdus from the heroes. Fans have often noted that this sudden burst is a rather weak plot device, as it is more than likely that BIG Verdus could have handled itself.
After a harrowing fight, Capps and Randelman kill VonDragon, but BIG Verdus shows that it can even re-animate dead beings with its holotronic power.
Death
As Capps and Det. Randleman fight off an increasing horde of holotronic VonDragons, they desperately look for a weak point or advantage. Using his custom gun, the RandleCannon, Randleman makes a large enough hole in the wall to allow Joe Capps to search for Verdus's power supply. As the VonDragon's converge upon Randleman and all hope seems lost, Joe find the main breaker and essentially "unplugs" BIG Verdus. BIG Verdus notes, realizing the irony that he was defeated by having weak humans attack his weak point, perishes soon afterwards. The holotron army dissipates immediately upon its "death".
Significance in the Series
BIG Verdus, unlike the MAGI Chronoi and NULLOS, each of whom only appear at the show's climax, is a major antagonist throughout the entirety of the series. Truthfully, most of the enemies the six heroes encounter on their quest to stop NERVENET were either thugs hired by VonDragon or holotrons created by BIG Verdus. It is shown actively scheming the heroes' demise, and is responsible for many major plot points throughout, like the destruction of Charles and Joe's hometown. The holotron army guarding the Central NERVENET tower vanishes as well upon BIG Verdus's defeat, making getting to NULLOS significantly easier for the heroes.